Sir Ian McKellen, himself gay, is also an outspoken gay advocate who has an affinity with New Zealand Respected gay actor and advocate Sir Ian McKellen says John Key should watch his language, saying “careless talk damages lives". In a statement, Sir Ian shares the Prime Minister’s “gay red top” comment and explains that Key apparently meant a radio host’s jacket was “weird”. “Defending himself later, he said he was using the word in the sense that his children used it and not in any way to disparage gay people. Anyway, he said, the word was in the dictionary. So of course are many other words that can give offence,” Sir Ian writes. “Nevertheless, Mr Key should watch his language. I'm currently touring secondary schools in UK, attacking homophobia in the playground and discouraging kids from the careless use of ‘gay’ which might make their gay friends (and teachers) feel less about themselves. “So even as he supports the proposal to introduce same-gender marriages in New Zealand, I do hope John Key listens to his critics and appreciates their concern. Careless talk damages lives.” Sir Ian also says that New Zealand has an undeserved reputation, amongst those who have never visited, as living a little in the past, not quite up-to-date with the world elsewhere. “As a regular visitor, I've often pointed out how, on social issues, the Kiwis have lead the world - first country to give women the vote, a nuclear-free stronghold and in the vanguard of civil rights for gay people.” Key’s comments have not just been picked up by the English actor, but also by worldwide media, both gay and mainstream. Here at home, Fair Go presenter Ali Mau has weighed in, Tweeting to the Prime Minister “When my kids use ‘gay’ as a pejorative I politely ask them to choose a different word. Nice example setting @johnkeypm.” Gay MPs from the “red” side of the house have also had their say, with Charles Chauvel, who is wearing a “very” red tie today has Tweeted: “Tick to key on marriage equality - but red shirt gaffe shows he's learnt nothing from Colin Craig jibe that he's 'too gay' 2 be H'ville MP.” His colleague Grant Robertson adds “Telling dumb jokes to impress teenage girls and calling things ‘gay’ as an insult. Your PM or a 15 year old, your choice folks.” Many of the Green MPs have switched colours to red today, with Catherine Delahunty saying “Wearing a ‘weird’ or ‘gay’ red shirt today, brighter than batshit Mr Key.”
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Tuesday, 6th November 2012 - 1:04pm